Top Gear: James May and Richard Hammond are expected to turn down a big money BBC deal to stay with Jeremy Clarkson

Share

Get celebs updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

Richard Hammond and James May will turn down a £4million BBC offer to return to Top Gear – instead launching a new show with axed Jeremy Clarkson.

A source claimed the trio, along with executive producer Andy Wilman are “very close” to signing a big-money deal with Netflix and no amount would persuade them to return to the BBC2 show without Clarkson.

The three pals have actually been in talks with several media outlets - including ITV - but the source claimed the American outlet, whose hit shows include House of Cards, was now the favoured option.

The insider said: “Flattering though it is to be offered huge sums there’ll be no going back. It wouldn’t feel right and their heart wouldn’t be in it.